The Rev. Dr. James Hill Sr., 70

DOVER - The Rev. Dr. James Hill Sr. of Dover went home peacefully to be with his Heavenly Father following a lengthy illness on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was 70.

The Rev. Dr. Hill was born Feb. 24, 1937, in Trenton, N.J., and was raised and attended public schools in New Brunswick, N.J.

He later married the love of his life, Eleanor Henderson of Jacksonville, N.C., and together had one deceased son, Eugene Hill; four daughters, Deborah Coulter of Upper Marlboro, Md., Loretta Baker of Felton, Rosalyn Thompson of Camden and Tonia Saunders of Dover; and three living sons, the Rev. James Hill Jr. of Dover, Donald Hill of Staten Island, N.Y., and William Hill of Brentwood, N.Y.

The Rev. Dr. Hill gave his life to Christ in March 1956 and accepted the call to preach in 1959. His favorite scripture was Psalm 103 and favorite song was "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior."

His motto was, "The Servant that wants to be used and will let you use him."

The Rev. Dr. Hill left with the title of presiding elder of the Dover District of the Delaware A.M.E. Conference, presiding over 20 churches since June 2003. Prior to presiding elder he was pastor at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Milford, from 1993-2003; Bethel A.M.E. Church, York, Pa., from 1989-93; Waters Memorial A.M.E. Church, Philadelphia, from 1988-89; Dickerson Chapel A.M.E. Church, Millsboro, from 1984-88; Trinity A.M.E. Church, Middletown, from 1983-83; Bethel A.M.E. Church, Huntington, N.Y., from 1981-83; Bethel Tabernacle A.M.E. Church, Brooklyn, N.Y., from 1975-81; and Emmanuel A.M.E. Church, Hartly, from 1968-75.

He attended various institutions of higher learning receiving a number of degrees and certificates, including New York Bible Institute and New York City Community College. He received his Master of Divinity from New Haven Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Humanities and Doctor of Divinity degrees from Eastern American University Indianapolis, Ind. He also received a Certificate of Federal Tax Service and Certificate of Worth Tax Service for ministers and nonprofit organizations, a Community Development Certificate Course, a Certificate of Completion from The Division of Human Relations and Fair Housing Conference.

The Rev. Dr. Hill served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1954-58, as well as in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1970-75. He held a certificate of honor from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, Chapel of the Four Chaplains.

He served on numerous boards and committees within the church and community, including but not limited to chairman of the board, Delaware Self-Help A.M.E. Church; president of the Harrisburg District of the A.M.E. Church; president of the Delaware Conference Ministries Alliance; member of the Delaware Association of Community-Based Development Organizations; and chairman, Milford Slaughter-Neck NAACP Housing Committee.

In addition to his son, Eugene, he was also preceded in death by his mother, Ida Williams; a brother, Theodore Williams; a foster son, Wilson Gibson; and his second best friend, Rocky the dog.

He leaves to cherish his memories three sons-in-law, Donald Coulter of Upper Marlboro, Lewis Thompson of Camden and La Spencer Saunders Sr. of Dover; three daughters-in-laws, Marvia Hill of Dover, Wendy Hill of Staten Island and Colleen Hill of Brentwood, N.Y.; two foster sons, Emmanuel Bratten of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Roger Griffin of Utah; 21 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, the Rev. Wynna Williams of Philadelphia; and host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at the Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St., Dover.

Funeral services will be at noon on Monday at the Mt. Zion A.M.E Church, Queen and Fulton streets, Dover, where friends may call two hours prior to the service.